Last week, SPEAR was honored to help 9/11 Veterans and Service Members through the Wounded Warrior Project, while also enjoying some great basketball.

SPEAR Physical Therapy, proudly displayed at the World’s Most Famous Arena

For the third year in a row, SPEAR was the official Physical Therapy Provider for the 2K Empire Classic at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden! This annual college basketball tournament raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project and brings together top NCAA basketball teams from around the country.

SPEAR on a courtside banner! Proud to help support the Wounded Warrior Project with a 2K Classic sponsorship

This year, the #14 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes defeated UConn to become the tournament champions, beating out top teams like Syracuse and #18 Oregon.

Bol Bol, son of late NBA star Manute Bol, earned all-tournament honors. Picture credit: SPEAR Regional Director Lisa Yirce, PT, DPT

SPEAR Physical Therapy has an additional unique connection to this event. All-Tournament standout Bol Bol is the son of the late NBA star Manute Bol, who played college basketball at the University of Bridgeport. Mr. Bol’s coach at Bridgeport was the father of our own Jimmy Olayos, PT, DPT!

Basketball star Manute Bol, father of 2K Empire Classic standout Bol Bol, playing pickup basketball with the father of SPEAR Regional Director Jimmy Olayos.

Mr. Bol was a true activist and great person, who became good friends with Jimmy’s family. In fact, in the picture below (circa 1992), that is Mr. Bol letting a young Jimmy Olayos nap next to him on the Olayos family couch.

Manute Bol helps SPEAR’s Jimmy Olayos, PT, DPT catch up on some sleep

Being a part of this year’s 2K Empire Classic was especially meaningful for the SPEAR Physical Therapy team. With our close connection to the Bol family, and our ability to help 9/11 Veterans and Service Members, we truly appreciated this opportunity.